A Reader’s POV & Must-Reads: ‘Rush,’ ‘It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time’ and ‘The Chase’

I’ve been on an incredible reading streak lately with amazing book after amazing book, and it has me fairly giddy. I’m on a reader’s high that I don’t want to end, and I’m only pausing so that I can share the love and wax poetic about a few of these must-read romances, which are sure to induce reader’s euphoria.

“With the first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select…”

It’s been three years since quarterback Ares Kincaid’s NFL dream came true, and he’s living the high life. The days of cleaning up after his drunk of a father are long gone, and he has no intention of going back.

A car crash and DUI charge meant a lengthy stint in rehab for Arianna Petrelli, and her dream of being a professional artist slips further away when she’s sacked from her position at a gallery. Her need for a job stronger even than her dislike of football, Ari goes to work for her father, the head coach of the New York Giants.

Ares hates alcoholics, which is fine with Ari because she thinks he’s a brainless jock. Yet when Ares rescues Ari from a situation with her ex-boyfriend, an unlikely friendship begins – one that quickly becomes more.

But messing around with the coach’s daughter can only lead to one thing…trouble.

Why it’s a must-read: Rush knocked my glasses off, which is a bookworm’s version of having my socks knocked off. Samantha Towle has outdone herself with this sexy, feel-good sports romance that packs an emotional punch. Ari is a recovering alcoholic, and Ares hates alcoholics. When they meet, it is an explosion of sparks that is equal parts chemistry and animosity. Ares does not want to be attracted to Ari, or even like her, but a few twists of fate allow him to see her as more than her addiction. A friendship blooms that quickly evolves into a romance, but their past psychological wounds make trusting difficult, especially when faced with challenges that trigger deep-seated fears. They have to fight for their own healing in order to give their relationship a chance, and it’s the ultimate heartwarming experience to see them succeed. Rush is a poignant and steamy romance with an insightful, powerful and inspiring look at addiction, redemption and love.

Returning home for her father’s wedding was never going to be easy for Adele. If being sent away at eighteen hadn’t been bad enough, the mess she left behind when she made a pass at her dad’s business partner sure was.

Fifteen years older than her, Pete had been her crush for as long as she could remember. But she’d misread the situation—confusing friendliness for undying love. Awkward. Add her father to the misunderstanding, and Pete had been left with a broken nose and a business on the edge of ruin. The man had to be just as glad as everyone else when she left town.

Seven years on, things are different. Adele is no longer a kid, but a fully grown adult more than capable of getting through the wedding and being polite. But all it takes is seeing him again to bring back all those old feelings.

Sometimes first loves are the truest.

Why it’s a must-read: When I read the blurb for It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time, I was immediately intrigued. I’m always up for a May-December romance, and I knew Kylie Scott would knock this one out of the park, and she did. Pete is 15 years older than Adele, and they had an epic falling-out when she attempted to seduce him on her 18th birthday. Their reunion seven years later is rocky, to put it mildly. Pete is still angry over what happened and extremely conflicted when he begins to notice Adele as a woman, especially considering he’s her father’s business partner. Their relationship is complicated before it even starts, so they have a lot to work through, but there is nothing more romantic than a hard-fought happy-ever-after. It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time is a sexy push-and-pull romance with an absorbing storyline infused with Kylie Scott’s distinctive wit, singular charm and sublime emotional intensity.

Everyone says opposites attract. And they must be right, because there’s no logical reason why I’m so drawn to Colin Fitzgerald. I don’t usually go for tattoo-covered, video-gaming, hockey-playing nerd-jocks who think I’m flighty and superficial. His narrow view of me is the first strike against him. It doesn’t help that he’s buddy-buddy with my brother.

And that his best friend has a crush on me.

And that I just moved in with them.

Oh, did I not mention we’re roommates?

I suppose it doesn’t matter. Fitzy has made it clear he’s not interested in me, even though the sparks between us are liable to burn our house down. I’m not the kind of girl who chases after a man, though, and I’m not about to start. I’ve got my hands full dealing with a new school, a sleazy professor, and an uncertain future. So if my sexy brooding roomie wises up and realizes what he’s missing?

He knows where to find me.

Why it’s a must-read: The Chase launches Elle Kennedy’s new series, Briar U, and after reading it, I am beyond excited about it. Kennedy does a brilliant job of introducing the characters who will be featured throughout the series and setting up the next book, but without pushing Fitzy and Summer’s love story aside. It’s an opposites-attract romance with plenty of laugh-out-loud humor, steamy love scenes and swoony, heartfelt romance, but its compelling subplots are what make it a truly fantastic read. There are multiple layers to this story that delve into relevant and complex issues that will resonate with many readers. When I say The Chase has it all, I really mean that it has it all. It’s a phenomenal reading experience. (See an excerpt on HEA from The Chase.)

Mary Dubé can be found reading when she’s not teaching spinning, crunching numbers, volunteering or hovering over her teenager. She is always looking to add to her keeper shelf. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.